Validating connection, structural characteristics and positioning of cable connectors

ABSTRACT

In one or more aspects, a determination is made as to whether a connector is securely fastened, whether the connector connected within a socket structure is the expected connector for that socket structure, and/or whether connectors coupled to one another via one or more cables are properly positioned for communication between them. Information on selected physical connection elements of a connector is used to determine one or more structural characteristics of the cable(s) connected to the connector and to determine whether the connector is the expected connector for a particular socket structure.

BACKGROUND

One or more aspects relate, in general, to connectors, and inparticular, to connection of pluggable-style connectors, such as cableconnectors.

Pluggable-style connectors are often used in association with or withinelectronic systems, such as within an electronics rack, or between rackswithin a data center. These connectors facilitate electrical and/orcommunication coupling between the different components of an electronicsystem, electronics rack or data center. Such connectors, which aregenerally referred to as cable connectors, facilitate connection of oneor more cables to one or more sockets within the electronic system,electronics rack or data center. For instance, cable connectors arewidely used to make connections to routers or servers within anelectronics rack, where space is often at a premium. In addition tothere being little extra space, cable connectors of this type may havethe tendency to separate or become partially disconnected from thesocket component to which they are connected, particularly if one ofmore of the associated cables are inadvertently moved or pulled.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages areprovided through the provision of a computer program product forvalidating connections of connectors. The computer program productcomprises a storage medium readable by a processing circuit and storinginstructions for execution by the processing circuit for performing amethod. The method includes, for instance, obtaining from a connectorconnected to a socket structure, an identifier of a cable coupled to theconnector at one end of the cable, the obtaining comprising readinginformation from a plurality of physical connection elements of theconnector to obtain the identifier; determining, based on theidentifier, whether a structural characteristic of the cable is anexpected structural characteristic for that socket structure; based ondetermining the structural characteristic of the cable is the expectedstructural characteristic for that socket structure, continuingvalidation of connection of the connector; and based on determining thestructural characteristic of the cable is not the expected structuralcharacteristic for that socket structure, providing an indication thatthe connector is not as expected.

Methods and systems relating to one or more aspects are also describedand claimed herein. Further, services relating to one or more aspectsare also described and may be claimed herein.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniquesdescribed herein. Other embodiments and aspects are described in detailherein and are considered a part of the claimed aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more aspects are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimedas examples in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. Theforegoing and objects, features, and advantages of one or more aspectsare apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a conventional raised floor layout of adata center containing multiple electronics racks;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view of one embodiment of anelectronics rack comprising, in one example, one or more electronicsystems/subsystems having socket structures which accommodate one ormore connector apparatuses;

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a rack frame and an electronic systemcomprising a housing including, at least in part, one or more socketstructures which accommodate one or more connector apparatuses;

FIG. 4A is a partial isometric view of one embodiment of an electronicsubsystem, and a connector apparatus comprising a cable connector and amechanical connect-assist mechanism;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged depiction of the connector apparatus of FIG. 4A,which is coupled to another connector apparatus, each connectorapparatus comprising a plurality of connection elements;

FIG. 4C is a partially exploded view of one embodiment of a connectorapparatus of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5A depicts one embodiment of further details of a connectorapparatus of FIG. 4B, including the plurality of connection elements;

FIG. 5B depicts one embodiment of further details relating to anotherconnector apparatus of FIG. 4B, including the plurality of connectionelements;

FIG. 5C depicts one example of identification assignments of certainconnection elements of the connector apparatuses of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of the logic to validate the connection,structural characteristics and positioning of connector apparatuses;

FIG. 7A depicts one example of a block diagram of a local serviceprocessor executing within an electronic subsystem;

FIG. 7B depicts one example of a block diagram of a global serviceprocessor executing within a rack; and

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a computer program productincorporating one or more aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one or more aspects, a capability is provided todetermine whether a connector is securely fastened, whether theconnector connected within a socket structure is the expected connectorfor that socket structure, and/or whether connectors coupled to oneanother via one or more cables are properly positioned (i.e., engaged inthe correct socket structures) for communication between them. In oneexample, information on selected physical connection elements of aconnector is used to determine one or more structural characteristics ofthe cable(s) connected to the connector and to determine whether theconnector is the expected connector for a particular socket structure.

As used herein, the terms “electronics rack” and “rack unit” are usedinterchangeably, and unless otherwise specified include any housing,frame, rack, compartment, blade server system, etc., having one or moreheat-generating components of a computer system or electronic system,and may be, for example, a stand-alone computer processor having high,mid or low end processing capability. In one embodiment, an electronicsrack may comprise a portion of an electronic system, a single electronicsystem or multiple electronic systems, for example, in one or moresub-housings, blades, books, drawers, nodes, compartments, etc., havingone or more heat-generating electronic components disposed therein. Anelectronic system(s) within an electronics rack may be movable or fixedrelative to the electronics rack, with rack-mounted electronic drawersand blades of a blade center system being two examples of electronicsystems (or subsystems) of an electronics rack to be cooled. As onespecific example, the electronics rack may be an IT Enterprise ComputerSystem, implemented, for example, employing System z server units, orSystem p server units, offered by International Business MachinesCorporation. SYSTEM Z and SYSTEM P are registered trademarks ofInternational Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y. Other namesused herein may be registered trademarks, trademarks or product names ofInternational Business Machines Corporation or other companies.

Further, as used herein, “socket structure” comprises any socket, port,or connector of, for instance, an electronic system, configured toaccommodate one or more connectors or connector apparatuses, such asdisclosed herein. The socket structure may be a discrete structure, ormay include (for instance) a portion of a housing within which thesocket resides. As used herein, a “connector” refers to any connectstructure or assembly characterized as disclosed herein, with a cableconnector or multi-cable connector being examples of a connector whichmay be part of a connector apparatus. As used herein, a connector may beany of a variety of connectors, such as an electrical, electronic, orcommunication connector, etc.

Reference is made below to the drawings, which are not drawn to scalefor ease of understanding, wherein the same reference numbers usedthroughout different figures designate the same or similar components.

FIG. 1 depicts a raised floor layout of a data center 100 typical in theprior art, wherein multiple electronics racks 110 are disposed in one ormore rows. A data center such as depicted in FIG. 1 may house severalhundred, or even several thousand microprocessors. In the arrangementillustrated, chilled air enters the computer room via perforated floortiles 160 from a supply air plenum 145 defined between the raised floor140 and a base or sub-floor 165 of the room. Cooled air is taken inthrough louvered or screened doors at the front (i.e., air inlet sides120) of the electronics racks and expelled through the back (i.e., airoutlet sides 130) of the electronics racks. Each electronics rack 110may have one or more air moving devices (e.g., fans or blowers) toprovide forced inlet-to-outlet airflow to cool the electronic componentswithin the drawer(s) of the rack. The supply air plenum 145 providesconditioned and cooled air to the air inlet sides of the electronicsracks via perforated floor tiles 160 disposed in a “cold” aisle of thecomputer installation. The conditioned and cooled air is supplied toplenum 145 by one or more air conditioning units 150, also disposedwithin the data center 100. Room air is taken into each air conditioningunit 150 near an upper portion thereof. This room air comprises in partexhausted air from the “hot” aisles of the computer installation definedby opposing air outlet sides 130 of the electronics racks 110. Eachelectronics rack typically contains one or more electronic systems whichutilize interconnecting cables with associated cable connectors.

FIG. 2 is an elevational representation of one embodiment of anelectronics rack 110. In the embodiment shown, electronics rack 110includes a plurality of electronic systems 201, which (in the embodimentillustrated) may be air-cooled by cool air 202 ingressing via louveredair inlet door 210, and exhausting out louvered air outlet door 211 ashot air 203. Electronics rack 110 also includes (in one embodiment) atleast one bulk power assembly 204. One or more electronic systems 201include, in one example, one or more processors, associated memory,input/output devices or adapters and disk storage devices. Alsoillustrated in FIG. 2 is an I/O and disk expansion subsystem 205, whichincludes, in one detailed example, PCIe (Peripheral ComponentInterconnect express) card slots and disk drivers for one or moreelectronic systems of the electronics rack. Note that I/O and diskexpansion subsystem 205 could be disposed anywhere within electronicsrack 110, with the positioning shown in FIG. 2 being provided as oneexample only. For example, the I/O and disk expansion subsystem 205could alternatively be disposed in the middle of the electronics rack,if desired.

In one rack example, a three-phase AC source feeds power via an AC powercord 206 to bulk power assembly 204, which transforms the supplied ACpower to an appropriate DC power level for output via distributioncables 207 to the plurality of electronic systems 201. AC power cord 206supplies, in one example, three phase electrical power. The number andtype of electronic systems installed in the electronics rack arevariable and depend on customer requirements for a particular system.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, an electronic assembly maycomprise a rack frame 300, which accommodates one or more electronicsystems, with one electronic subsystem 310 being illustrated by way ofexample. Electronic subsystem 310 comprises an enclosure 311 configuredto accommodate, in one example, a plurality of field-replaceable units,which slidably dock within respective field-replaceable unit(FRU)-receiving slots at one end of enclosure 311. Within rack frame300, for instance, between multiple electronic subsystems 310, one ormore cables, such as one or more electrical, electronic, orcommunication cables, may need to be connected. Dedicated socketstructures may be provided for cable connectors to be operativelyattached. The socket structures may facilitate coupling to, forinstance, a mid-plane or back-plane of the electronic system to whichconnection is being made. Depending upon the implementation, cableconnectors may be employed to facilitate connection to or betweenrouters, servers, input/output devices, adapters, etc., within anelectronics rack or between electronics racks of a data center.Oftentimes, there is little extra space within or around the socketstructures configured to accommodate the cable connectors. Dependingupon the implementation, it may be difficult for an operator to confirmdocking or seating of a cable connector within a respective socket.

A connector apparatus is provided which compensates for limited accessby providing, in one aspect, a mechanical connect-assist mechanism thatfacilitates mechanical plugging of the connector within the respectivesocket structure, and which facilitates retaining of a connector inseated position within the socket structure, and that provides positivefeedback features which allow an operator to readily verify that aconnector is in a seated position within the socket structure.Additionally, cable support features may be integrated within theconnector apparatus.

Generally stated, in one embodiment, a connector apparatus is providedwhich includes a connector configured to operatively plug into a socketstructure, and a mechanical connect-assist mechanism associated, atleast in part, with the connector. The mechanical connect-assistmechanism includes a cam shaft rotatably coupled to the connector, and aconnect-assist element projecting from the rotatable cam shaft. Theconnect-assist element is configured to engage at least oneelement-receiving opening associated with the socket structure withinsertion of the connector within the socket structure to facilitate,for instance, caming of the connector into the socket structure. Inparticular, rotating of the rotatable cam shaft moves the connect-assistelement within the at least one element-receiving opening to facilitatesecure seating and retention of the connector within the socketstructure.

In certain aspects, the connect-assist element may extend through therotatable cam shaft, and be sized and configured to engage a firstelement-receiving opening associated with the socket structure, and asecond element-receiving opening associated with the socket structure,wherein the first and second element-receiving openings are disposed onopposite sides of the connector as the connector is inserted into thesocket structure. With insertion of the connector into the socketstructure, rotating of the rotatable cam shaft moves the connect-assistelement within the first element-receiving opening and the secondelement-receiving opening, and the first element-receiving opening andthe second element-receiving opening are configured so that movement ofthe connect-assist element therein facilitates drawing the connectorinto a seated position within the socket structure and retaining theconnector in the seated position within the socket structure. By way ofexample, the connect-assist element may be a rod extending through therotatable cam shaft, for instance, transverse to the rotatable camshaft. In one implementation, the first element-receiving opening andthe second element-receiving opening each extend at an angle to an axisof insertion of the connector into the socket structure, and are mirrorimage openings within the socket structure or associated housing of thesocket structure.

As enhancements, the mechanical connect-assist mechanism may include oneor more visual indicators of connection status, such as a visualindicator which indicates with insertion of the connector into thesocket structure and rotating of the rotatable cam shaft whether theconnector is unseated or the connector is seated within the socketstructure.

Additionally, the mechanical connect-assist mechanism may furtherinclude a spring engaging the rotatable cam shaft with a detente ornotch in the spring configured to be engaged by a cam lobe associatedwith the rotatable cam shaft. The cam lobe engages, at least in part,the detente, with seating of the connector within the socket structureto provide tactile feedback of connector seating within the socketstructure to an operator. This cam lobe may be a first cam lobeassociated with the rotatable cam structure, and the mechanicalconnect-assist mechanism may further include a second cam lobeassociated with the rotatable cam shaft, wherein the second cam lobeengages the detente with connector unseating from the socket structureto provide an operator with tactile feedback of unseating of apreviously seated connector. Upon the second cam lobe engaging thedetente, the connect-assist element has moved to an unseated positionrelative to the element-receiving opening associated with the socketstructure. This tactile feedback of connector seating or connectorunseating facilitates operator plugging or unplugging of the connectorinto the socket structure where space is limited and, for instance, asight-line to the connector and/or socket structure may be impaired oreven blocked.

By way of example, the connector may be a cable connector that isattached to one or more cables for use, for instance, within anelectronic system or between electronic systems. In such a case, thesocket structure may be associated with a housing which may include oneor more electronic components of the electronic system. The connectormay further comprise an enclosure which, in one embodiment, includestapered connect-supports on one or more outer surfaces thereof which areconfigured to engage one or more surfaces of the socket structure (orhousing associated with the socket structure) with seating of theconnector within the socket structure, to facilitate retention of theconnector in seated position within the socket structure and support ofthe one or more cables attached to the cable connector.

As a further enhancement, the one or more surfaces associated with thesocket structure engaged by the tapered connector-supports of theconnector enclosure may itself or themselves include tapered supportssized and configured to, for instance, engage or interlock with thetapered connector-supports of the connector enclosure with seating ofthe connector within the socket structure to further facilitateretention of the connector in seated position within the socketstructure, and support the cable(s) to which the cable connector isattached.

In one embodiment, the connector apparatus includes a mechanicalconnect-assist or plug mechanism which facilitates caming of theconnector into and out of operative engagement with a socket structure,and which provides positive feedback to ensure that the connector isfully seated. In addition, the mechanical connect-assist mechanism andassociated socket structure include built-in supports that, forinstance, overcome the cable weight, to facilitate preventing a seatedconnector from becoming unseated. In the connector apparatus, the spaceavailable to control the cables and/or cable connectors may be verylimited. For instance, side-to-side symmetric multiprocessing (SMP)cable connectors are often closely packed, and above the connectors canbe an overhanging input/output adapter cage, and below, another node (orcage), and to the front of the structure are the cable bundles that areattached to the cable connectors. Therefore, there is limited space toadd hardware around or in front of the socket structures or connectorassemblies. Thus, the connector apparatuses provide a compact designwhich provides, in part, visual verification, as well as tactilefeedback, that a cable connector is in seated position within arespective socket structure.

FIG. 4A depicts, by way of example, a portion of one embodiment of anelectronic system or subsystem (e.g., a drawer), generally denoted 400,which includes a housing or cage 401. By way of specific example,housing 401 may be configured for insertion of one or more devices, suchas one or more input/output adapters, and reside within an electronicsrack such as described above in connection with FIGS. 2 & 3. Electronicsystem 400 includes, again by way of example only, a socket structure410 defined within housing 401 which receives a connector 420 a thatfacilitates electrical, optical, electronic, and/or communicationconnection, etc., to or from the electronic system. In this embodiment,connector 420 a is a cable connector, and in particular, a multi-cableconnector, which is shown to facilitate connection of a first cable 421and a second cable 422 to socket structure 410. Connector 420 a includesan upper enclosure (or housing) 431 and a lower enclosure (or housing)432 which attach together to define the connector enclosure. In oneembodiment, connector 420 a includes a plurality of connection elements430 a, which are sized and configured to operatively couple tocorresponding connection structures (not shown) within socket structure410.

Also illustrated in FIG. 4A is one embodiment of a mechanicalconnect-assist mechanism 440. This mechanical connect-assist mechanismis shown to include a cam shaft 441 rotatably coupled to connector 420a, and a connect-assist element 442 which projects from rotatable camshaft 441.

Further details regarding connector 420 a are described with referenceto FIGS. 4B and 4C. As shown, in one example, connector 420 a includes,for instance, a connection assembly 460 (FIG. 4C) disposed, in part,within an appropriately sized opening 462 in lower enclosure 432. Aplurality of screws or bolts 464 may be used to secure the connectorapparatus together, that is, to secure an upper enclosure 431 and lowerenclosure 432 in the manner illustrated. As described herein, taperedconnector-supports 445 (FIG. 4B) may be provided in one or more surfacesof the connector enclosure to facilitate, for instance, secure retentionof the connector in a seated position within the socket structure, andin so doing, relieve stress on the connector due to gravity from the oneor more cables 421, 422 attached to the cable connector.

The mechanical connect-assist mechanism 440 is shown to include therotatable cam shaft 441 and connect-assist element 442 which, in oneembodiment, is a rod which extends through the rotatable cam shaft 441,for example, transverse to the rotatable cam shaft 441. The rotatablecam shaft resides (in this example) at the interface of the upperenclosure 431 and lower enclosure 432, and the connect-assist elementincludes, for instance, a spring with a detente (or notch, relief, etc.)disposed herein. The rotatable cam shaft 441, in one embodiment, restson or engages the spring within the connector.

The plurality of connection elements 430 a extend within the connectionassembly 460 for protection from physical damage and for facilitatingoperative connection to corresponding connection structures of thesocket structure (see FIG. 4A). Connection elements 430 a may be any ofa variety of conventional connection elements, including pins, cards,contacts, etc., designed to interface the one or more cables 421, 422 tothe socket structure.

In the illustration of FIG. 4B, one or more cables 421, 422 are alsoconnected to another connector 420 b, which is similar in structure toconnector 420 a. Connector 420 b, similar to connector 420 a, includes aconnect-assist mechanism (not shown), as well as a plurality ofconnection elements 430 b to facilitate connection within a socketstructure of, for instance, another electronic system. Further detailsregarding connectors 420 a, 420 b and connection elements 430 a, 430 bare described with reference to FIGS. 5A-5B.

FIG. 5A depicts one example of connector 420 a viewed from an end ofconnector 420 a looking into connection elements 430 a (see 490 of FIG.4B). Referring to FIG. 5A, connector 420 a includes a plurality ofwafers 500 a, wherein a first portion (e.g., 12) of the plurality ofwafers comprises a transmit region 502 a, a second portion (e.g., 2) ofthe plurality of wafers comprises a control region 504 a, and a thirdportion (e.g., 12) of the plurality of wafers comprises a receive region506 a. Each wafer 500 a includes a portion of the plurality ofconnection elements 430 a (e.g., labeled A-H, J-M). For instance, eachwafer includes, in this example, 12 connection elements, also referredto as electrical contacts (e.g., pins). Thus, each column of connectionelements in FIG. 5A is a wafer, and there are, for example, 12 transmitwafers, 2 control wafers, and 12 receive wafers. In other embodiments,there may be more or fewer wafers altogether, and/or more or fewerwafers per transmit, control and/or receive region; more or fewerconnection elements per wafer; and/or the regions may be in a differentorder. Other variations are also possible.

In accordance with one aspect, the connection elements of the transmitregion and the receive region are of a first size in length, and theconnection elements of the control region are of a second size inlength. The second size is shorter than the first size, in this example.For instance, the connection elements of the transmit region and thereceive region are 4.9 mm in length, while the connection elements ofthe control region are 4.5 mm in length. Thus, the connection elementsof the transmit region and the receive region connect prior to theconnection elements of the control region. In a further embodiment, theconnection elements of the control region may be longer than theconnection elements of the transmit region and/or the receive region.Further, in other embodiments, the connection elements of all threeregions may be of different sizes, or portions of regions may be ofdiffering sizes. Other variations also exist.

In this embodiment, selected connection elements of the control regionof the connector also provide an identifier for the one or more cablesconnected to the connector. For instance, multiple connection elements508 have a binary value (e.g., a 0 or 1) assigned thereto, and byreading the values in a sequential order, an identifier with odd parityis provided. One example of assigned identifiers is provided in FIG. 5C.

Referring to FIG. 5C, in this example, the identifiers are assignedbased on the length of the cable(s) attached to the connector. Forinstance, if a 0.3 meter cable is to be attached, then an identifier of00011 (which is equal to 3 in decimal) with an odd parity bit of 1 isprovided (see row 4 of FIG. 5C). As a further example, if a 2.0 metercable is to be attached, then an identifier of 10100 (which is equal to20 in decimal) with an odd parity bit of 1 is provided (see row 21). Inthis embodiment, the identifier 00000 with an odd parity bit of 1indicates a cable that is not to be used (e.g., it is only formanufacturing/testing, etc.).

Each cable connected to the connector has the same identifier, in thisexample. Further, in this embodiment, the cables are connected to oneconnector (e.g., 420 a) at one end of the cables, and connected at theother end of the cables to another connector (e.g., 420 b). The otherconnector is structurally similar to the first connector, as seen inFIG. 5B.

Referring to FIG. 5B, connector 420 b, which is of an another electronicsubsystem, also includes a plurality of wafers 500 b, each including aplurality of connection elements 430 b. A first portion (e.g., 12) ofthe plurality of wafers 500 b comprises a transmit region 502 b, asecond portion (e.g., 2) of the plurality of wafers comprises a controlregion 504 b, and a third portion (e.g., 12) of the plurality of waferscomprises a receive region 506 b. Further, selected connection elementsof the control region of connector 420 b (e.g., elements labeled A1-A6in FIG. 5B) also provide an identifier for the one or more cablesconnected to the connector. This identifier would be the same as theidentifier provided by elements 508 in FIG. 5A, since it is the samecable(s).

When the cables are connected at both ends to the connectors, and theconnectors are engaged in the socket structures, connection elements inthe transmit region of one connector are electrically connected toconnection elements in the receive region of another connector in aprescribed manner. For instance, connection element 1A (520) of thetransmit side of connector 420 a is electronically connected toconnection element 522 (15L) on the receive side of connector 420 b.Other elements are similarly connected.

Additionally, in one embodiment, each connector includes a selectedplurality of connection elements, referred to as topology contacts, thatare used to determine whether the connectors, when engaged in theirrespective sockets, can communicate with one another. In this particularembodiment, connection elements 524 and 526 of connector 420 a andconnection elements 528 and 530 of connector 420 b are the selectedtopology contacts. In other embodiments, other contacts and/oradditional contacts may be selected.

As indicated, the connectors are plugged into or engaged into respectivesocket structures. In a system, there is typically a plurality of socketstructures in which each connector may be connected. For instance, theremay be 6 connectors per electronics system and 4 electronics systems.Thus, in such a system, there are 24 socket structures in which toengage a connector. Therefore, in accordance with one or more aspects,capabilities are provided to validate that a connector is connected inthe correct position (i.e., the correct socket structure), fullyengaged, and able to communicate with another connector coupled theretovia one or more cables. In one embodiment, the length of selectedconnection elements (e.g., pins) is used to determine whether theconnection is fully connected, as described below. Further, in anotheraspect, information is built into selected physical connection elements(i.e., physical contacts) that is used to identify one or morestructural characteristics of the cable(s) connected to the connector(e.g., the length of the cable), which is then used to determine whetherthe connector is engaged in the correct socket structure. Theinformation defines, for instance, the electrical characteristics of thecable that is expected, enabling component drivers and receivers (notshown) to be set appropriately. Although in the example describedherein, the structural characteristic that is identified is cablelength, there are many other possibilities, including but not limitedto, cable performance (e.g., bandwidth), cable personality or type(e.g., details of the interconnect), cable speed, etc.

Yet further, a particular sequence, in one example, is provided in whichthe connection is validated, identification is performed, and ahandshaking between the transmit and receive regions is provided toensure that the connection is proper, all prior to starting the bus tocommunicate data. Although in one embodiment described herein aparticular sequence is provided, in other embodiments, the sequence maydiffer.

One embodiment of a particular sequencing used to ensure the connectorsare fully engaged in the correct socket structures, based on identifyingstructural characteristics of the cable(s) connected thereto, and toensure proper communication between the connectors at either end of thecables is described with reference to FIG. 6. Initially, an operator(e.g., a service person) arrives at a rack, for instance, and indicatesthat a cable, having a particular identifier, is to be installed. Forinstance, the operator enters information at a service processor on therack. The service processor, referred to herein as a global serviceprocessor, turns on an LED at each end indicating where the connectorshaving such a cable are to be installed, STEP 600. The operator installsthe connectors using the locking mechanism on each connector to lockthem in place. Thereafter, the global service processor orchestrates asequencing to determine proper installation. For instance, the globalservice processor initiates a process on a local service processor ofone electronics system/subsystem to which one of the connectors is beinginstalled. The process includes reading in a particular sequence, by thelocal service processor, the information (e.g., binary values) providedon connection elements 508 of the connector coupled to this electronicsystem to obtain an identifier of the cable(s) connected to theconnector, STEP 602. In a further embodiment, instead of the globalservice processor initiating the reading of the identifier, the localservice processor automatically initiates the read process based ondetermining the connector has been engaged.

A determination is made as to whether the identifier obtained fromreading the information in the control region of the connector indicatesthat a structural characteristic (e.g., length) of the cable connectedto the connector is the structural characteristic expected by the socketstructure in which the connector is engaged, INQUIRY 604. Thisdetermination is made by, for instance, checking a table or other datastructure that indicates the expected structural characteristics for acable to be plugged into this socket structure. For instance, theidentifier is compared to an identifier assigned to this socketstructure that is in the table, or in another example, a result ofadding the binary values of the identifier provides a length and thatlength is compared to a length specified in the table for the socketstructure. Other examples are possible.

If the identifier does not indicate structural characteristics thatmatch the expected characteristics, then a further determination is madeas to whether the identifier is all zeros or all grounds, INQUIRY 606.If it is all zeros or grounds, then it is determined that the contactsof the connector, and in particular, in this example, the controlregion, are not fully engaged. Therefore, a determination is made as towhether this was a second pass through this logic, INQUIRY 608. If not,then the operator is provided an indication to reinstall the cable, STEP600. However, if it is the second pass through the logic, then the cableis indicated as bad, STEP 612. In one embodiment, the determined reasonthat the cable is bad is provided to the operator. This reason mayinclude the identifier (e.g., all zeros) and/or it may include a reasondetermined based on the identifier (e.g., not functioning properly), asexamples.

Returning to INQUIRY 604, if the identifier does not indicate expectedstructural characteristics and it is not all zeros or grounds, then afurther determination is made as to whether the identifier is all zerosor grounds with a parity bit equal to one, INQUIRY 610. If it is allzeros or grounds with a parity bit equal to one, then an indication isprovided that the cable is bad, STEP 612. In this case, the identifier(e.g., 00000 with an odd parity of 1 identifies a cable only to be usedin manufacturing (e.g., testing) and not to be used in the field). Thus,it is indicated as a bad cable. As before, in one embodiment, thedetermined reason (e.g., the identifier and/or reason based on theidentifier) that the cable is bad is provided to the operator.

Returning once again to INQUIRY 604, if the identifier does not indicatestructural characteristics that match the expected characteristics andit is not all zeros or grounds, and it is not all zeros or grounds withparity equal to one, then there is a mismatch and the connector may bein an incorrect socket structure, STEP 614. However, before making adetermination of whether the connector is in an incorrect socketstructure, the operator is given a chance to re-plug the connector tosee if the re-plugging addresses the issue. Thus, a furtherdetermination is made as to whether it is the second pass, INQUIRY 608.If not, then processing continues with STEP 600, in which the connectoris re-plugged into, for instance, the same socket structure. Otherwise,an indication is made that it is a bad cable (e.g., the cable does nothave the structural characteristics (e.g., length) supported by thesocket structure in which it was connected), STEP 612. Thus, in oneembodiment, the operator is notified of the bad cable, and thus, mayattempt to reconnect the connector in another socket structure. In oneexample, the local service processor can query other socket structuresin the system to determine if this connector is signaling another socketstructure. In other embodiments, the operator may replug based on asignal provided by the local service processor or the global serviceprocessor; by trial and error; or based on other techniques.

Returning to INQUIRY 604, if the identifier identifies expectedstructural characteristics for the socket structure engaging theconnector, this is communicated to the global service processor, whichin turn, instructs the local service processor of the electronicssystem/subsystem on the other end of the cable to read its identifier(e.g., A1-A6 of FIG. 5B), STEP 620. (In a further embodiment, the globalservice processor is not involved, but instead, the second identifier isread, for instance, when the connector is plugged in). Responsive toreading the second identifier, the second local service processordetermines whether the identifier indicates that a structuralcharacteristic of the cable connected thereto is the structuralcharacteristic supported and expected by the socket structure engagingthe connector, INQUIRY 622. If the identifier does not indicatestructural characteristics that match the expected characteristics andif it is all zeros or grounds (e.g., not fully contacted), INQUIRY 624,and it is not the second pass, INQUIRY 626, then processing continueswith STEP 600 in which the connector is re-plugged into the same socketstructure. Otherwise, if it is the second pass, the cable is indicatedas bad, as described above, STEP 630.

Further, if the identifier does not indicate structural characteristicsthat match the expected characteristics, INQUIRY 622, and it is not allzeros or grounds, but it is all zeros or grounds with a parity equal toone, INQUIRY 628, then an indication is provided of a bad cable (e.g.,cable meant for manufacturing/testing only), as described herein, STEP630. Yet further, if the identifier does not indicate structuralcharacteristics that match the expected characteristics, INQUIRY 622,and it is not all zeros or grounds, and it is not all zeros or groundswith a parity equal to one, then there is a mismatch and the connectormay be in an incorrect socket structure, STEP 632. A determination ismade as to whether it is the second pass, INQUIRY 626. If it is not thesecond pass through the logic, then processing continues with STEP 600in which, for instance, the connector is re-plugged into the socketstructure; otherwise, processing continues with an indication of a badcable (e.g., the cable does not have the structural characteristics(e.g., length) supported by the socket structure in which it wasconnected), as described herein, STEP 630. Thus, the connector may bere-plugged into another socket structure, as described herein.

Returning to INQUIRY 622, if the identifier does indicate cablecharacteristics expected by the socket structure, then a communicationshandshake (also referred to as a handshake) is provided between the twoconnectors to ensure the connectors are plugged into the proper socketstructures for communication between them, STEP 632. The handshake iscontrolled, in one example, by the global service processor on the rackthat instructs the local service processors to have the connectorscommunicate with one another. In one particular example, connectionelements 524 (FIG. 5A), referred to herein as topology pins, communicatewith connection elements 530 (FIG. 5B), also referred to as topologypins. Similarly, connection elements or topology pins 528 (FIG. 5B)communicate with connection elements or topology pins 526 (FIG. 5A).When this back and forth communication is complete, this is indicated tothe global service processor. This handshake determines if both cablesare plugged into the correct socket structures for end-to-endpositioning for communicating with one another.

If the handshake fails, INQUIRY 640, a determination is made as towhether this is a second pass through this part of the logic, INQUIRY634. If it is the second pass, then the cables are indicated as bad,STEP 638. For instance, an indication is provided that a connector orcable is faulty. Otherwise, if it is not the second pass, then thecables are reset (i.e., one or more of the cables are plugged intodifferent socket structures), STEP 636, and the process repeatsstarting, for instance, at STEP 602. In one embodiment, the globalservice processor can direct the operator of where to re-plug theconnector(s). For instance, the global service processor (or in otherembodiments, the local service processors) can methodically searchthrough the system, using handshaking, to determine which socketstructure is providing a signal for a connector. This position is thencommunicated to the operator. As a further example, if there are twocable adds in process at the same time, the topology sense or handshaketells the system (e.g., the global service processor) that the cablesare swapped and can direct the operator which cables are swapped so theycan be corrected. Other examples also exist. Returning to INQUIRY 640,if, however, the handshake has passed, then the bus is brought up and atest is performed, STEP 642. This completes the process.

Although in the above example, two passes are provided through the logicto allow the operator to correct errors quickly, in other embodiments,more or less than two passes may be used.

Referring to FIG. 7A, one example of a local service processor 700executing within an electronic subsystem 400 is depicted in a blockdiagram. Similarly, FIG. 7B depicts a block diagram of one example of aglobal service processor 750 executing within a rack 300. Theseprocessors may be any type of processors, including but not limited to,System z or System p processors. Further, each processor may include orbe coupled to memory and/or input/output devices.

As described herein, a capability is provided to validate connections,structural characteristics and positioning of cable connectors thatenables cables, such as SMP cables, to be added to a running system or anewly configured system with confidence.

In one or more aspects, a high speed cable with defined pin-to-pinwiring is provided, as well as a cable structure using contact matingsequences to validate plugging depth; contacts to identify the cablestructure; a process by which the cable structure and plugging can beidentified; and/or a cable in which in the control structure theend-to-end position can be validated.

In one embodiment, a contact mating sequence on the control wafers(e.g., wafers 13 and 14) is used to mate later than the remainingcontacts. This means the high speed signals have engaged to theirappropriate contacts prior to the controls contacting. In thisembodiment, the high speed signals are engaged about 0.5 mm before thecontrol pins mate. After the cable is plugged with the appropriatecontact sequencing, the cable is interrogated by the service processorto verify cable length, and position information with a two path processas described herein. For instance, the first connector is interrogated,then the second end is verified, and after both ends are verified by thestatic data included in the identifier bits, a topology or handshakeprotocol is used on the topology sense lines to verify the complete linkis connected to the correct connector positions so the actual systemprocess chips can start using the high speed data lanes.

This defined process provides a layer of diagnostics in which anoperator can tell by where in the process it failed, why thecable/connector failed. It indicates, for instance, if it is an operatorerror or a failed part.

In one aspect, a capability is provided that includes, for instance,obtaining, from a connector connected to a socket structure, anidentifier of a cable coupled to the connector at one end of the cable,the obtaining comprising reading information from a plurality ofphysical connection elements of the connector to obtain the identifier;determining, based on the identifier, whether a structuralcharacteristic of the cable is an expected structural characteristic forthat socket structure; based on determining the structuralcharacteristic of the cable is the expected structural characteristicfor that socket structure, continuing validation of connection of theconnector; and based on determining the structural characteristic of thecable is not the expected structural characteristic for that socketstructure, providing an indication that the connector is not asexpected. The plurality of physical connection elements have a length ofa first size, and the connector comprises other physical connectionelements having a length of a second size, the second size differingfrom the first size, in one embodiment.

In one example, the structural characteristic includes a length of thecable, and further, the information includes a plurality of values readfrom the plurality of physical connection elements in a defined sequenceto provide the identifier, the identifier identifying the length of thecable.

The continuing validation includes, for instance, obtaining, fromanother connector coupled to the cable at another end of the cable andconnected to another socket structure, another identifier, the obtainingincluding reading information from another plurality of physicalconnection elements of the another connector to obtain the anotheridentifier; determining, based on the another identifier, whether thestructural characteristic of the cable is the expected structuralcharacteristic for the another socket structure; and based ondetermining the structural characteristic of the cable is the expectedstructural characteristic for the another socket structure, initiatingcommunication between the connector and the another connector.

The initiating communication includes, for instance, performing acommunications handshake between the connector and the another connectorusing a selected plurality of connection elements of the connector andthe another connector. A determination is made as to whether thecommunications handshake is successful. Based on determining thecommunications handshake is successful, initiating data communicationusing the cable. Based on determining the communications handshake isunsuccessful, providing an indication of such.

Further, based on determining the structural characteristic of the cableis not the expected structural characteristic, a further determinationis made as to whether the identifier is a first value, wherein based onthe identifier being the first value it is determined that the connectoris not fully engaged in the socket structure. Yet further, based ondetermining the structural characteristic of the cable is not theexpected structural characteristic, a further determination is made asto whether the identifier is a second value, wherein based on theidentifier being the second value it is determined that the connector isnot to be used.

In one embodiment, based on determining the structural characteristic ofthe cable is not the expected structural characteristic, a determinationis made as to whether the identifier is a first value, wherein based onthe identifier being the first value, it is determined that theconnector is not fully engaged in the socket structure; based on theidentifier not being the first value, determining whether the identifieris a second value, wherein based on the identifier being the secondvalue, it is determined that the connector is not to be used; and basedon the identifier not being the first value or the second value, it isdetermined that the connector is not a proper connector for the socketstructure.

As will be appreciated by one of average skill in the art, aspects ofembodiments may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of embodiments may take the form of anentirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as, for example, a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”Furthermore, aspects of embodiments may take the form of a computerprogram product embodied in one or more computer readable storagedevice(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

One or more of the capabilities of embodiments can be implemented insoftware, firmware, hardware, or some combination thereof. Further, oneor more of the capabilities can be emulated.

Referring to FIG. 8, one or more aspects of embodiments can be includedin an article of manufacture (e.g., one or more computer programproducts 800) having, for instance, computer readable storage media 802.The media has embodied therein, for instance, computer readable programcode (instructions) 804 to provide and facilitate the capabilities ofembodiments. The article of manufacture can be included as a part of acomputer system or as a separate product.

An embodiment may be a computer program product for enabling processorcircuits to perform elements of the invention, the computer programproduct comprising a computer readable storage medium readable by aprocessing circuit and storing instructions for execution by theprocessing circuit for performing a method.

The computer readable storage medium (or media), being a tangible,non-transitory, storage medium having instructions recorded thereon forcausing a processor circuit to perform a method. The “computer readablestorage medium” being non-transitory at least because once theinstructions are recorded on the medium, the recorded instructions canbe subsequently read one or more times by the processor circuit at timesthat are independent of the time of recording. The “computer readablestorage media” being non-transitory including devices that retainrecorded information only while powered (volatile devices) and devicesthat retain recorded information independently of being powered(non-volatile devices). An example, non-exhaustive list of“non-transitory storage media” includes, but is not limited to, forexample: a semi-conductor storage device comprising, for example, amemory array such as a RAM or a memory circuit such as latch havinginstructions recorded thereon; a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon; an optically readable device such as a CD or DVDhaving instructions recorded thereon; and a magnetic encoded device suchas a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk having instructions recordedthereon.

A non-exhaustive list of examples of computer readable storage mediuminclude the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM).

Program code can be distributed to respective computing/processingdevices from an external computer or external storage device via anetwork, for example, the Internet, a local area network, wide areanetwork and/or wireless network. The network may comprise coppertransmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission,routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. Anetwork adapter card or network interface card in eachcomputing/processing device receives a program from the network andforwards the program for storage in a computer-readable storage devicewithin the respective computing/processing device.

Computer program instructions for carrying out operations for aspects ofembodiments may be for example assembler code, machine code, microcodeor either source or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventionalprocedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming languageor similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirelyon the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

Aspects of embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) andcomputer program products according to embodiments. It will beunderstood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or blockdiagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrationsand/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer programinstructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also bestored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices tofunction in a particular.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or blockdiagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, whichcomprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in somealternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occurout of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware andcomputer instructions.

In addition to the above, one or more aspects may be provided, offered,deployed, managed, serviced, etc. by a service provider who offersmanagement of customer environments. For instance, the service providercan create, maintain, support, etc. computer code and/or a computerinfrastructure that performs one or more aspects for one or morecustomers. In return, the service provider may receive payment from thecustomer under a subscription and/or fee agreement, as examples.Additionally or alternatively, the service provider may receive paymentfrom the sale of advertising content to one or more third parties.

For instance, an application may be deployed for performing one or moreaspects. As one example, the deploying of an application comprisesproviding computer infrastructure operable to perform one or moreaspects.

As a further aspect, a computing infrastructure may be deployedcomprising integrating computer readable code into a computing system,in which the code in combination with the computing system is capable ofperforming one or more aspects.

As yet a further aspect, a process for integrating computinginfrastructure comprising integrating computer readable code into acomputer system may be provided. The computer system comprises acomputer readable medium, in which the computer medium comprises one ormore aspects. The code in combination with the computer system iscapable of performing one or more aspects.

Although various embodiments are described above, these are onlyexamples. For example, computing environments of other architectures canincorporate and use one or more aspects. Further, a system may have moreor less connectors and/or socket structures than described in theexample provided herein. Further, connectors of other configurations maybe used. Additionally, the sequencing may be in another order, and/orother structural characteristics may be checked. Many other variationsare possible.

Further, other types of computing environments can benefit from one ormore aspects. As an example, a data processing system suitable forstoring and/or executing program code is usable that includes at leasttwo processors coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements througha system bus. The memory elements include, for instance, local memoryemployed during actual execution of the program code, bulk storage, andcache memory which provide temporary storage of at least some programcode in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved frombulk storage during execution.

Input/Output or I/O devices (including, but not limited to, keyboards,displays, pointing devices, DASD, tape, CDs, DVDs, thumb drives andother memory media, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directlyor through intervening I/O controllers. Network adapters may also becoupled to the system to enable the data processing system to becomecoupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storagedevices through intervening private or public networks. Modems, cablemodems, and Ethernet cards are just a few of the available types ofnetwork adapters.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below, if any, areintended to include any structure, material, or act for performing thefunction in combination with other claimed elements as specificallyclaimed. The description of one or more aspects has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the aspects forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1. A computer program product for validating connections of connectors,said computer program product comprising: a computer readable storagemedium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructions forexecution by the processing circuit for performing a method comprising:obtaining, from a connector connected to a socket structure, anidentifier of a cable coupled to the connector at one end of the cable,the obtaining comprising reading information from a plurality ofphysical connection elements of the connector to obtain the identifier;determining, based on the identifier, whether a structuralcharacteristic of the cable is an expected structural characteristic forthat socket structure; based on determining the structuralcharacteristic of the cable is the expected structural characteristicfor that socket structure, continuing validation of connection of theconnector; and based on determining the structural characteristic of thecable is not the expected structural characteristic for that socketstructure, providing an indication that the connector is not asexpected.
 2. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein thestructural characteristic comprises a length of the cable.
 3. Thecomputer program product of claim 2, wherein the information comprises aplurality of values read from the plurality of physical connectionelements in a defined sequence to provide the identifier, the identifieridentifying the length of the cable.
 4. The computer program product ofclaim 1, wherein the continuing validation comprises: obtaining, fromanother connector coupled to the cable at another end of the cable andconnected to another socket structure, another identifier, the obtainingcomprising reading information from another plurality of physicalconnection elements of the another connector to obtain the anotheridentifier; determining, based on the another identifier, whether thestructural characteristic of the cable is the expected structuralcharacteristic for the another socket structure; and based ondetermining the structural characteristic of the cable is the expectedstructural characteristic for the another socket structure, initiatingcommunication between the connector and the another connector.
 5. Thecomputer program product of claim 4, wherein the initiatingcommunication comprises performing a communications handshake betweenthe connector and the another connector using a selected plurality ofconnection elements of the connector and the another connector.
 6. Thecomputer program product of claim 5, wherein the method furthercomprises: determining whether the communications handshake issuccessful; based on determining the communications handshake issuccessful, initiating data communication using the cable; and based ondetermining the communications handshake is unsuccessful, providing anindication of such.
 7. The computer program product of claim 1, whereinbased on determining the structural characteristic of the cable is notthe expected structural characteristic, a further determination is madeas to whether the identifier is a first value, wherein based on theidentifier being the first value it is determined that the connector isnot fully engaged in the socket structure.
 8. The computer programproduct of claim 1, wherein based on determining the structuralcharacteristic of the cable is not the expected structuralcharacteristic, a further determination is made as to whether theidentifier is a second value, wherein based on the identifier being thesecond value it is determined that the connector is not to be used. 9.The computer program product of claim 1, wherein based on determiningthe structural characteristic of the cable is not the expectedstructural characteristic: determining whether the identifier is a firstvalue, wherein based on the identifier being the first value, it isdetermined that the connector is not fully engaged in the socketstructure; based on the identifier not being the first value,determining whether the identifier is a second value, wherein based onthe identifier being the second value, it is determined that theconnector is not to be used; and based on the identifier not being thefirst value or the second value, it is determined that the connector isnot a proper connector for the socket structure.
 10. The computerprogram product of claim 1, wherein the plurality of physical connectionelements have a length of a first size, and wherein the connectorcomprises other physical connection elements having a length of a secondsize, the second size differing from the first size.
 11. A computersystem for validating connections of connectors, said computer systemcomprising: a memory; and a processor in communications with the memory,wherein the computer system is configured to perform a method, saidmethod comprising: obtaining, from a connector connected to a socketstructure, an identifier of a cable coupled to the connector at one endof the cable, the obtaining comprising reading information from aplurality of physical connection elements of the connector to obtain theidentifier; determining, based on the identifier, whether a structuralcharacteristic of the cable is an expected structural characteristic forthat socket structure; based on determining the structuralcharacteristic of the cable is the expected structural characteristicfor that socket structure, continuing validation of connection of theconnector; and based on determining the structural characteristic of thecable is not the expected structural characteristic for that socketstructure, providing an indication that the connector is not asexpected.
 12. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the structuralcharacteristic comprises a length of the cable, and wherein theinformation comprises a plurality of values read from the plurality ofphysical connection elements in a defined sequence to provide theidentifier, the identifier identifying the length of the cable.
 13. Thecomputer system of claim 11, wherein the continuing validationcomprises: obtaining, from another connector coupled to the cable atanother end of the cable and connected to another socket structure,another identifier, the obtaining comprising reading information fromanother plurality of physical connection elements of the anotherconnector to obtain the another identifier; determining, based on theanother identifier, whether the structural characteristic of the cableis the expected structural characteristic for the another socketstructure; and based on determining the structural characteristic of thecable is the expected structural characteristic for the another socketstructure, initiating communication between the connector and theanother connector.
 14. The computer system of claim 13, wherein theinitiating communication comprises performing a communications handshakebetween the connector and the another connector using a selectedplurality of connection elements on the connector and the anotherconnector.
 15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the methodfurther comprises: determining whether the communications handshake issuccessful; based on determining the communications handshake issuccessful, initiating data communication using the cable; and based ondetermining the communications handshake is unsuccessful, providing anindication of such.
 16. The computer system of claim 11, wherein basedon determining the structural characteristic of the cable is not theexpected structural characteristic, a further determination is made asto whether the identifier is a first value, wherein based on theidentifier being the first value it is determined that the connector isnot fully engaged in the socket structure.
 17. The computer system ofclaim 11, wherein based on determining the structural characteristic ofthe cable is not the expected structural characteristic, a furtherdetermination is made as to whether the identifier is a second value,wherein based on the identifier being the second value it is determinedthat the connector is not to be used. 18-20. (canceled)